Birth & Beyond Maternal Support, LLC

06/11/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that partners can experience postpartum depression and anxiety too.

The postpartum transition affects the entire family — emotionally, mentally, physically, and relationally. Sleep deprivation, increased stress, financial pressure, feeling helpless, changes in identity, and the overwhelming adjustment to caring for a newborn can all impact mental health.

Research shows that postpartum depression in partners is real, and it deserves acknowledgment, support, and compassionate conversations too.

Sometimes it may look like:
- increased irritability
- withdrawal
- anxiety
- emotional numbness
- exhaustion
- feeling disconnected
- struggling silently while trying to “hold it together”

Postpartum mental health matters for the whole family. Support matters for the whole family too. 🤍

If you’re preparing for postpartum or currently navigating this season and looking for additional support, education, or encouragement, I’d love to connect and talk about how doula support may help support your family during this transition. 🌺

06/08/2026

Trying to conceive. Pregnancy. Loss. Postpartum. Parenthood.

Some seasons of life are incredibly vulnerable, emotional, and life-changing. And one of the greatest privileges of this work is being invited into those moments with families.

As a doula, I try to remain professional while also leading with compassion and genuine care. But the truth is… I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve a little. 🤍

The last “visit” is honestly always hard for me.

One of the things I’ve always offered families is ongoing telehealth support beyond our final home visit. Not because I believe families should depend on me forever, but because I want them to know they’re still supported as they continue navigating parenthood.

Sometimes that looks like:
- questions about feeding
- reassurance during a hard week
- toddler behavior questions
- potty training conversations
- celebrating first steps
- or simply reminding exhausted parents they’re doing a good job

I believe support shouldn’t have to end just because the scheduled visits do.

I think when you walk beside families through such intimate and emotional seasons of life, it’s hard not to get attached and genuinely care about them.

And on National Best Friends Day, I’m reminded how powerful support, connection, and compassionate presence can truly be. 💛

If you’re navigating pregnancy, postpartum, loss, or another season of transition and looking for support, encouragement, or guidance, I’d love to connect and talk about how doula support may help support your journey. 🤍

06/05/2026

National Donut Day feels like the perfect time to remind everyone:

Birth plans are great…
but babies tend to run on donut shop hours. 🍩😅

Middle of the night?
Absolutely.

Right before dinner?
Of course.

The second your provider leaves town?
Naturally.

Babies make their own schedules — which is exactly why having support matters. 🤍

So today I’ll be celebrating National Donut Day the same way most birth workers do:
with coffee, snacks in my doula bag, and hoping I don’t get called to a birth halfway through eating my donut 😂

06/05/2026

One of the most common questions I hear is:
“What’s the difference between a midwife and a doula?” 🤍

The short answer?
They’re very different roles — but they often work beautifully together.

Midwives provide medical care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Doulas provide emotional, physical, educational, and informational support throughout the experience.

And doulas don’t just work with midwives — we can also support families alongside OB-GYNs, maternal fetal medicine specialists, nurses, lactation consultants, and other members of a family’s care team as well. 🤍

One role isn’t “better” than the other —
they simply support families in different ways.

I recently wrote a blog post breaking down some of the biggest differences, how the roles overlap, and why so many families choose to build a birth team that feels right for them.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, birth center birth, scheduled C-section, or still figuring things out… understanding your options matters.

🔗 Read more here:
https://birthandbeyondmaternalsupport.org/what-are-the-key-differences-between-a-midwife-and-a-doula

As always, if you have questions about doula support, insurance coverage, or postpartum support, feel free to reach out. 🤍

When is a doula right for you?

06/03/2026

A few families have officially claimed their spots, so it’s time for an availability update! 🤍

Things have been changing quickly, and I’m so grateful for the families who have trusted me to be part of their journey.

If you’re expecting a baby or looking for postpartum support, I’d love to connect and answer any questions you may have.

And remember—postpartum support may still be available even if I wasn’t your birth doula, and support doesn’t have to end after those first few weeks. In fact, many insurance plans and Oregon Health Plan (OHP) plans may cover postpartum doula support through your baby’s first birthday.

Feel free to reach out anytime!

— Shelly

06/01/2026

Postpartum mental health challenges do not only affect the birthing parent. Partners can struggle during the postpartum transition too.

Sleep deprivation, stress, financial pressure, changes in identity, feeling helpless, and the overwhelming adjustment to caring for a newborn can all impact mental health.

Research shows postpartum depression in partners is real, and it deserves to be taken seriously.

Sometimes it may look like:
- withdrawal
- irritability
- emotional numbness
- hopelessness
- anxiety
- anger
- feeling disconnected
- struggling silently while trying to “hold it together”

Depression is not weakness. And asking for help can be one of the hardest — and bravest — steps someone takes.

If you or someone you love may be struggling postpartum, please know support is available and you do not have to carry it alone. 🤍

Postpartum Support International offers support, education, resources, and a helpline for families navigating perinatal mental health challenges:
📞 1-800-944-4773
📱 Text “Help” to 800-944-4773

And if your family is looking for additional postpartum support, education, or community care during this transition, I’m always here to help guide families toward support and resources as well. 🌿

05/30/2026

When many people think of doulas, they think of labor support — but support can look different for every family 🤍

Sometimes support means helping you navigate pregnancy and birth decisions with evidence-based resources and education.

Sometimes it’s hands-on labor support and reassurance during contractions.

Sometimes it’s helping with latch support, newborn feeding questions, meal prep, folding a mountain of laundry, or holding baby so a new parent can shower, rest, or simply breathe for a minute.

Sometimes it’s making sure partners feel supported too.

Doula support isn’t one-size-fits-all because families aren’t one-size-fits-all.

Please share this post or tag someone who could use a doula. You can also direct message me to set up a consultation to learn more! 🤍

05/28/2026

Sometimes postpartum survival looks like eating with one hand. 🍔😅

Cold fries.
Reheated coffee.
A baby on your lap.
And somehow still finding crumbs in the baby’s hair later 😂

Postpartum life is beautiful, exhausting, messy, emotional, and often spent multitasking in ways nobody really prepares you for.

And honestly? Sometimes just managing to eat a meal at all is a win.

If you’re in the middle of this season right now, I hope you know you’re doing better than you think you are. 🤍

If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum and wanting extra support during this transition, I’d love to connect and talk about how doula support may help lighten the load for your family. 🌞